It was already dark outside the late season was making itself noticeable in Germany. Traffic lights and car noises drifted past the dark red car which sped over the asphalted road. Inside the vehicle were a man and a woman who were humming to classic music.

Austria guided the steering wheel with practiced ease and was focused on the street in front of him. With a quick motion, he turned the music blasting from the radio even louder. His favorite playlist always captured him and subconsciously made him sway to the melody.

Hungary regarded him lovingly from the co-driver's seat. She remembered that at first, she had not been keen on living in his house as a sub-state but as time went on she learned to love him. Sadly, because of political decisions they had to divorce and spend their lives apart. Despite this, she still adored him from the top of his gravity-defying curl to his pedicured toenails covered in silk socks.

"Who is the composer?" she asked her lover referring to the played song. Roderich jerked out of his euphoria and turned off the music, smiling at the brunette.

"Johannes Brahms," he answered happily and then looked back on the road.

Erzsébet furrowed her brows before asking confused: "Wasn't he a German, too?" She knew that her ex-husband preferred Austrian composers over foreigners at all times.

It was almost comical how Austria's corners of the mouth fell at the question. "Yes. You are right. I have tried to forget it," With a forced shrug he added: "I like his music nonetheless."

Hungary almost snorted but decided to change the topic. She smoothed out the wrinkles which had gathered in her evening dress and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear which had fallen out of her braid. "What are you expecting of the date?"

Roderich inhaled sharply and leaned back in the seat. "I have no idea. One can't predict anything that Prussian does."

The woman nodded approvingly. "At least we are prepared."

"What do you mean by that?" Austria asked surprised and rested his gaze on her for a moment before looking back on the street.

"I put two frying pans in the car trunk, should all hell break loose," The brunette pointed her thumb in the back over her shoulder. "Gilbert won't know what hit him."

Roderich winced and flinched like he himself had been beaten. "There is no need to be so violent, love."

"Why is that? Have you forgotten what Prussia has done to you? He is always riling you up, insulting you and, at worst, fighting you."

The man hummed in agreement and added: "And have you forgotten what we have been through together? In the two World Wars we have always fought side by side. I know it sounds weird, but those times brought us closer together, don't you think? I mean you, Ludwig, Gilbert and me. We have seen so much pain together."

Hungary nodded. This was the truth, actually. They had been in this not only as allies, but as a family too…

"The frying pans will only be used when he is unbearable after all."

Austria was silent, thinking. He had figured out important information about Gilbert through Ludwig. Roderich wasn't sure if he could tell his politically divorced wife this, but… "Gilbert doesn't heal as fast as a nation anymore."

Shocked, Erzsébet gasped and covered her mouth, though Roderich continued. "Ludwig told me that he seems not to heal at all anymore. When you hit him too hard- and I know you are very strong- the damage you do to him will be irreversible. Haven't you noticed how Germany's hovering over him constantly?"

Hungary was shaken by these words. She had always thought about Prussia as an invincible pain it the ass. And now they were all forced to face reality. After the Fall of the Berlin Wall, most nations were happy to see Gilbert alive. Unfortunately, now it was clear that he would disappear one day, and this time not behind the Iron Curtain, but permanently instead.

Moments of silence passed, the only noise coming from the street ahead of them. The area has changed, they were driving through a calmer part of the city where most people lived in single houses.

"I can't believe this," Hungary choked out, tears gathering in her eyes. Austria let go off the steering wheel and reached for the woman's hand, running his thumb over her knuckles reassuringly.

"The idiot won't die any time soon. He is way too stubborn," The dry comment made Erzsébet chuckle and she wiped her tears away.

"We won't be too critical on him."

Austria smiled and nodded. Looking around, he finally found the drive way of the German brothers' house and parked the car.

The man and woman stepped out and threw the car doors shut. Then they climbed the three stone stairs leading to the front door.

Erzsébet raised her hand to ring the door bell, but Roderich gripped her arm and pointed at a ripped sheet of paper hanging off the wall, alarmed.

The hastily glued tape pieces which kept the paper in place, were starting to peel off and were hanging limply in the air at the corners.

Austria adjusted his glasses to read what was written on the paper, even though he could read perfectly well without them.

"This must be from Gilbert: West and I are out, doing some catching up… with lots of BEER! Austria, I know that you have a key to our house. Just use it. More mystical letters from the Awesome Me are inside!" Roderich read. "Well, we should just enter."

The brunet took out an over-loaded key chain from his (manly and fancy) bag, muttering that he didn't even know what most keys were for anymore and how he would never find the key they needed. Erzsébet next to him chuckled and pointed out a silver key with a little comical brown dog as dangler.

"It's probably this one," she said, and both laughed. The man grabbed the key and unlocked the front door. Pushing it open, Austria stopped dead in his tracks, appalled at the darkness and gloominess in the house.

Hungary crashed into him, not having expected him to just stop walking. "What is it?" she whispered in his ear, as if they were on a secret agent mission.

"I am just a little suspicious, who knows what's lurking behind the door. You never know what pranks Prussia pulls," he explained to her.

Hungary reached for the light switch and tipped the button. Instantly, all darkness was gone and both blinked, the sudden brightness catching their eyes by surprise.

"Look, another "mystical" note!" Erzsébet snatched the wrinkled paper off the dresser and read: "Wow, you did it! You successfully entered our house without permission! Just kidding. I prepared the kitchen and all stuff you will need. A neighbor is taking care of our dogs for today, so Austria doesn't need to piss his pants. Another note is awaiting you!"

Roderich huffed and crossed his arms. He was about to complain about Gilbert's meanness to Erzsébet, but his ex-wife had already run off in the direction of the kitchen. After moments of silence, Austria became worried about his lover and took after her.

He saw Hungary standing still in the kitchen door, gaping. Austria squeezed through the gap between the woman and the door frame, looking around the room with an equally astonished expression.

"What?"

The kitchen was very clean (not a surprise); the cupboards were shining, the tiles sparkling and beautifully reflecting the numerous lights of the chain of lights which was fastened on the boards from above. But most astonishing was the loaded kitchen isle. Fresh vegetables, seasonings and kitchen utensils were professionally arranged.

Erzsébet pushed an onion aside to pull out another of Gilbert's letters.

"You made it! Though, the biggest challenge is left to complete. I have gathered all ingredients you require for a good goulash and Kaiserschmarrn. Beef and other stuff is in the fridge, turn on the radio and have… fun. Don't eat all of it, I have to pay West in a way. And if you get bored during the cooking time of the goulash there are some games on the table in the living room. PS: Don't destroy anything!"

"Well, that sounds… nice," Austria commented and came up to her side. The woman folded the sheet of paper and laid it on the rest table.

"Yes, let's do it!" The adventurous woman exclaimed excitedly.

The two looked around and Hungary decided to take out the beef from the fridge first. She inspected it orderly, removed the wrap and set the chunk on a chopping board Austria handed to her. She stemmed her hands on her hips and asked Roderich for a knife.

The man slid the blade carefully out of the wooden knife block and handed it to her. Erzsébet grabbed it and swung it around like a sword. It was just like old times! With force, she cut the half-frozen beef in cube-like pieces and heated a frying pan.

While she proceeded with some carrots, Austria had sat down on one of the kitchen chairs and started chopping paprika, though the onions made him cry. Chuckling, Erzsébet took the filled chopping board from him and filled the vegetables in the frying pan next to the cubes of beef. She stirred the delicious smelling dish and its scent filled the kitchen.

Roderich stood up and took a large pristine pot from the kitchen isle. Filling it with water he put broth inside and let it cook on the stove. When it was done, the Hungarian added the beef to the pot and set the clock. It was too soon for them to start with the dessert, so they leaned against the kitchen isle, looking for something to do.

"Maybe some music will be good," Austria said and pushed the on button of the radio standing on the windowsill. Classic music drifted from the speakers and made Roderich feel nostalgic. He knew that song from somewhere!

"I know that song, but I can't put my finger on it!" he exclaimed, clenching his fists angrily.

"I-isn't that our wedding song?" Hungary asked unsurely.

"You are right!" the aristocrat exclaimed and faced his lover happily. "Remember our dance?"

Giggling, Erzébet stood up and took Roderich's hands, gazing up into his violet eyes, which normally looked so aloof but contained a warmth only reserved for her.

"It was a step to the right, then two steps backward, three to the left and one forward," She reminded him and put his hand on her waist, guiding the other in the step-pattern. After a few rounds around the kitchen they stopped, because Roderich was already exhausted.

"You really haven't forgotten.", Austria breathed glowingly. Hungary shook her head; how could she ever forget the day of their marriage?

"Our marriage was the happiest day of my life," she admitted.

"Mine too."

"You know, at first I wasn't keen on living under your rule. I never wanted to be restricted and be told what to do. I was used to living outside and sleeping under the stars. But as time passed, I learned to appreciate your private concerts on your piano and the lady-like dresses you gifted me with."

"And I learned that you are fierce and wild. You weren't like the other states under my responsibility. You were the force that kept me going when I was about to give up," Roderich told her calmly and kissed her cheek.

Hungary leaned into his embrace and let his chin rest on her head even though he wasn't much taller than her. "You needed my help to beat Prussia."

She could feel his grin. "That is true, I knew that the douche bag would never let go off his goals. First it was Silesia he took from me and then my influence in the German Confederation in 1866." Erzsébet rubbed his arm lovingly showing him comfort for an old injury of pride.

"I wonder how Germany would be if I had raised him," Austria wondered.

"That is a good question. I guess he would be less… well trusting in rules and manuals, I guess. But don't forget that we had some beautiful children to look after, too," she gently reminded him. "You had your chance to raise Germany."

"You mean Holy Rome. And it is kind of weird to refer to them as our children. Italy has his own family and I have never seen him belonging to mine. He was only a state under my rule," Austria sniffed.

"But you were fond of him." It wasn't a question, it was a proven fact.

"Well, I like everyone who is interested in my musical talent."

"Remember when tiny Italy would sit next to you? He could barely look at your fingers pressing the keys of your piano!" Hungary gushed fondly.

"And you would always put him in one of your dresses. Because of you I had to find out the hard way that Italy was a boy when his voice cracked one day!"

Hungary snorted not bothering to cover her mouth like a good lady. "It is so funny that you Germans can't distinguish men from women! It's like a running gag."

"Please elaborate."

"Well, Holy Rome aka Germany always ran after Italy thinking he was a girl, you as well and Gilbert thought I was a boy!"

Austria shook his head toying with her hair. "I know you told me once that he had figured out your true gender faster than yourself."

The laughter instantly died in her throat and she blushed. "Okay, you got me. Growing up with men made me think I was one of them, too."

Austria regarded her, smiling: "You are so beautiful."

Her long brown hair framed her symmetric face, her glowing green eyes reminded him of the untamable forests she had come from. Uncapturable beauty, like nature itself. The same force he had fallen in love with all those centuries ago.

"So are you."

"I never told you this, but I was anxious when I stood alone at the altar. And then you walked in and caught everyone's breath. You looked so stunning in your poufy white gown. You were glowing."

The woman hugged him and blushed deeply.

"I was nervous, too. I never considered myself beautiful, lest of all stunning. Even after our marriage I thought I was not worthy of you. I was a young woman who had spent most of her childhood outside playing with mud. And you were and still are the ever-present aristocrat whose nobility follows him like an aura. You deserved someone better than me. You are just too perfect to be true."

He stared at her incredulously. What lies had she been believing the entire time? "I will tell you a secret: You were the constant force in my life that kept me going, you have always been my sunshine in darkness. As a child, well, I was always being bullied and called weak. Especially by the demon who organized this date for us, but whatever. People pushed me when I was already down, they called me names and made fun of me, saying that I could never survive on my own."

He leaned his head to the side. "We got married because I really couldn't survive without you. July 8th, 1867 was the best day of my life. We finally got married and it was made official. My leaders had decided to form a bond between us to make me appear stronger in front of their rivals sitting in Berlin at the time, but I wasn't happy about a political alliance. I couldn't care less. I was ecstatic because I could finally marry the most stunning, kindest and most wonderful woman I have loved for an eternity."

Hungary put her hands on his cheeks, running her thumb over the mole on his chin. He was too perfect. With wet eyes she leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his lips. "I love you."

"I love you too," the Austrian replied earnestly, kissing her back.

After this passionate moment, Hungary sniffed the air. Countless times of making goulash had made her nose very sensitive. She grabbed Roderich's hand and lead him to the stove. She ushered him to come closer and she opened the lid slowly. Hot steam rushed out of the opening and a delicious smell filled their noses.

"This is the first meal I cooked for you after becoming your wife," said Hungary with a reminiscent look on her face.

"You are right! We ate it at the wedding!", Austria added. "As I remember, we ate Kaiserschmarrn too that day…"

Roderich took off his glasses and cleaned the condensed water off the lenses. His brows furrowed as he thought about this coincidence. Hungary mulled over the dishes too, wondering how the Prussian could have known this.

"How does he know what we ate at our wedding day and which music we danced to? This is suspicious, he wasn't even invited!" Erzsébet exclaimed.

Roderich meanwhile shook his head not wanting to know the truth and what else the Prussian knew about their private life. "I wouldn't put it past him to have come to our wedding to spy on us. We had just fought a war the year before after all."

The brunette growled at this assumption, clenching her fists. "When I find out the truth…"

"Now, now," Austria said calmly, "Don't let this ruin our date. Prussia has done a darn good job up to now, don't you think? Such small affairs are not of importance now."

Hungary's expression loosened, and she smiled. "You are right," she said and went to the cupboard containing plates. "Would you like some of our self-made goulash?"

"Of course!" the man agreed eagerly, grabbing the shining scoop from the kitchen isle. "After this, I will start making our dessert."

It was midnight already, the couple sitting at the table had finished their dinner and were now playing a round of Scrabble Gilbert had put there before he left for them to kill time and to be romantic.

"That's so mean! There are no Hungarian letters, you have a huge advantage," the woman complained to Austria, tossing some of her gaming pieces over the table.

Roderich smiled at her action and proposed to play the game in English so they had equal chances to win. The couple played a few more rounds, which each had won around the same amount of times. The lovers made jokes and remembered the past with smiles, laughing at shared experiences.

The stars had come out outside, a few sparkles on the pitch-black sky. Roderich piped up when he saw bright rays of light coming from a nearing car through the window in the kitchen. The car stopped moving and two passengers got out.

"Oh, they are back already!" Erzsébet said surprised.

Austria glanced at the clock in the living room, "Well they have been gone for more than five hours."

Hungary's mouth formed an "o"-shape as she realized it, too. Both stood up from their sitting position and opened the front door, before the man standing outside could take out his key. And not a moment too soon, because Germany half carried his brother inside, who was leaning heavily on the taller man's shoulder.

"What happened to him?" Austria asked shocked.

Germany rolled his eyes and pushed a strand of silver hairy out of his brother's face, revealing his semi-sleeping expression. "He always gets sleepy when he drinks too much. Nothing to worry about," He nudged Gilbert and muttered to him: "Let's get you to bed."

Prussia in turn opened his eyes tiredly claiming that he wasn't sleepy and going to bed was something for losers. In the next moment, however, he had almost fallen back asleep on his brother's shoulder.

Germany groaned, fed up with Gilbert's childish behavior. Meanwhile, Austria and Hungary enjoyed the brothers' bickering and laughed.

Prussia, appalled by their noise, tried to straighten his stance (without success) and greeted them after trying to focus his eyes on their faces: "Oh, it's the Man-boy and Princess Prissy. How NOT great to see you entering my lair. You don't know where I positioned my defenses! You should hope to make it out of here alive."

After his announcement his eyelids flickered back shut and his legs gave out. Luckily, Germany caught him before he could greet the floor and sat him gently on the ground next to him, supporting his back with his leg.

Trying to distance himself from the nonsense which had just escaped his brother's mouth, the blond told the couple: "Just ignore this, please. It seems that drinking not only makes him sleepy but also makes him lose his cognitive capabilities."

"How was your date?" he asked awkwardly.

Hungary laughed and leaned into Roderich lovingly. "It was so beautiful. I never would have imagined Gilbert to be so considerate and include ways of reminding us of our happiest moments!" She nudged her partner to say something too.

"It really was wonderful. We had so much fun and it was great to be just the two of us again. No political affairs or leaders telling us how to act near each other."

Germany smiled, clearly relieved that his brother's plan, which he had spent so much time on, had worked and exceeded their expectations (which had been nil from the start, he thought humorously).

"I am glad to hear this. He worked so hard for everything. Knowing that he would never admit that he had made such a huge effort, I tell you that he wanted you to spend your date in the best way possible."

"We will thank him some other time, I guess," Hungary said, smiling down on the knocked-out snoring Prussian on the floor. "Ludwig, would it be an inconvenience for you to host us for the night? It's much to ask for but we lost track of time…," she asked while clenching her teeth in embarrassment.

"Of course, you can stay for the night. I will prepare the guest rooms right away. I would never let you drive back to Austria at this time." Germany picked up his brother and slung a strong arm around his middle. Stepping towards the entrance of the basement, Roderich grabbed the tall German's shoulder looking serious.

"Germany, we wondered about how Prussia knew about all our private things. Like the music and the foods, we had at our wedding to which he was not invited."

Ludwig looked away at first but then turned back to Austria. "His politicians wanted him to go to your wedding as a spy, but he was more motivated to get a glimpse of your marriage because he… cared and still cares about your happiness even though it might seem to be the direct opposite through his behavior towards you."

Roderich let go off him, satisfied with the answer. It might be hard to comprehend but he and Prussia had many similarities and saw each other as relatives, maybe even friends. It was no lie to admit that there was some mutual understanding between the two of them and the date which Gilbert had organized showed Hungary and Austria that the Demon Douche is more sensitive than what they gave him credit for. Both Erzsébet and Roderich were ashamed of themselves for not having realized it sooner and having treated Gilbert with so much disrespect before.

Author's Note:

Johannes Brahms was a famous German composer during the 19th century. He was born in Hamburg and died in Vienna.

Kaiserschmarrn - Austrian dessert. Looks like a ripped pancake. Actually is.

So, did Prussia succeed? What do you think?

I like to use Erzébet for Hungary because I think it's more accurate than Elizabeta. Though, she is a tough case with names.